The NHSI Film & Video Institute offers students the same quality of experience they will encounter at top collegiate film programs, including Northwestern’s Radio-Television-Film Department. “Collaboration” and “Story” are the pillars that guide our curriculum, with an emphasis on film-“making”. Students get to experience the world-class facilities at Northwestern University, get a taste of Chicago, and steep themselves in their art for five weeks. Students leave this program better filmmakers, communicators, and collaborators.
Summer 2024
June 30 – August 3, 2024
(5 weeks)
Students can select a concentration in:
Acting on Camera
An intensive five-week course focused on tailoring performances to the screen, students learn how to analyze character, make strong performance choices, and basic production techniques. Click the link above to learn more!
Screenwriting
“A good story well told”: Screenwriting students study fundamentals of storytelling and screenplay structure, gaining an understanding of the most important part of any film: the story. Built on a foundation of practical application and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are exposed to great works of cinema that inform and enrich their final productions. Click the link above to learn more!
Production
The production concentration is intended to teach a wide range of practical strategies and tools available for creating film meaning, and to encourage creative approaches to production. Students are instructed in both technical and aesthetic aspects of film-making through hands-on exercises and short projects. All students learn in Northwestern editing Labs. Click the link above to learn more!
Learn from a world-class faculty of working film professionals
Hone your skills in screenwriting, directing, acting and production in original films
Explore Adobe Creative Cloud and other software to learn how to make and edit your films
Discover what is possible through the collaborative opportunities of film
What Our Students Have Said:
“[My favorite part was] Creating projects as a community and collaborating”
– 2023 Cherub Alum
“The quality of teaching and individual help we received was unlike anything I’ve ever had.”
– 2023 Cherub Alum
“Everyday I learned so much and felt like I grew as a human.”
– 2023 Cherub Alum
“I learned so many valuable things this summer…I learned about things having to do with film and video such as acting techniques, TV writing, and production/camera angles and terms. However, I also learned vital lessons regarding acceptance, diversity, friendship, collaboration, cooperation, independence, and more.”
– 2022 Cherub Alum
“I had great teachers and was surrounded by peers that both supported and challenged me.”
– 2023 Cherub Alum
“The electives were incredibly enjoyable and provided me with unique experiences and some of the best moments of my life.”
– 2022 Cherub Alum
What Our Faculty
Have Said:
“When you are 16 and you want to make movies, you feel like you don’t belong and at NHSI, they belong. That is one of the best parts of this program – that the students find their community.”
What Our Parents Have Said:
“I wanted to thank you for providing such a wonderful Cherub experience for our daughter in the Film and Video division this summer. She had a fabulous time on campus, loved being immersed in production, and learned so much. My husband and I were incredibly impressed by the film screening. The students were so talented and creative. It was rather extraordinary what they accomplished in five weeks.”
– 2022 Cherub Parent
“My daughter was a Cherub this summer in the NHSI Film & Video Division. To say she had the time of her life would be a gross understatement. To be frank, words cannot express what an incredible experience this was for her. Every single time we spoke with her her happiness, excitement, creative energy and passion came through. She was surrounded by other individuals who had the same passion and work ethic she had. She was amazed by the talent in the program, from the directors and teachers to the other students. We had high expectations for the program but none of us could have imagined how incredible it would be.”
– 2019 Cherub Parent